Cava, Tougas return to MODO Hockey

After successful rookie campaigns in Sweden, forwards Kaitlyn Tougas and Michela Cava have each signed two-year extensions with the SDHL’S MODO Hockey, the club announced Thursday.

The re-signings are good news for MODO. The club has seen a flurry of activity already this offseason: defender and Swedish Olympian Annie Svedin announced her retirement from hockey, goaltender Emma Söderberg is headed to the NCAA, and forward Jenelle Kohanchuk opted not to return, to name a few recent transactions.

Both Tougas and Cava came to MODO last season from the CWHL: Tougas from the then-Brampton Thunder and Cava from the Toronto Furies, where she was second on the team in scoring with 14 points. Cava’s offense, sorely missed by the Furies this season, exploded in Örnsköldsvik. She finished fifth in the SDHL scoring race with 25 goals and 30 assists for a total of 55 points in 36 games.

“Michela Cava is an offensive player and really was what we were looking for in a strong center that is a smart player and also a good winner,” head coach Björn Edlund told MODO’s website. “We are pleased that she wants to continue her development with us.”

Tougas’s rookie year in the SDHL was something of a show-me season. After a successful NCAA career with Bemidji State, her offense all but evaporated in the CWHL. She scored a single point in 23 games with the Brampton Thunder but rediscovered her scoring touch with MODO and finished the year with 29 points, 10 goals, and 19 assists.

“It feels exciting to continue in MODO Hockey,” Tougas told the club’s website.

International transfer fees will apply for both players.